A new report from health experts warns that for the first time this century, child deaths under age five are expected to increase globally — a scary development that could affect many children and families around the world. Reuters

The report says that around 200,000 more children may die before their fifth birthday this year compared with 2024. Reuters

The reason is a big drop in international aid and funding for health services — money that helped many families get vaccines, medicines, clean water, and proper care when they had sick children. Reuters

Health experts say this reversal is happening especially in poorer countries where many families depend on free or low-cost clinics, vaccines, and disease prevention programs. Reuters

This news matters a lot — for kids everywhere. When health care becomes harder to get, many children may get sick with diseases that are otherwise preventable, and families may find it harder to get help on time.

Doctors and organisations say this is a warning sign — that cutting support for health programs can suddenly make life more dangerous for young kids. They urge governments and global groups to demand better protection for children’s health.

For young readers: it’s important to know that sometimes the ills children face — sickness, lack of medicine, or missing doctors — are not just because of germs. They also depend on support from grown-ups, governments and people far away. When that support goes away, many children suffer.

It’s a reminder that health, care and fairness matter everywhere — and that helping each other is a big deal.

If you like reading about how the world protects kids and health — visit our World & Rights section or Health & Care corner for more stories and ideas.